- Want to see the #RedHotChiliPeppers? Tix just went on sale so head over to the Wireless Box Office to get yours http://t.co/TqOTGYM9 ^mm
Rogers device subsidies 101: Choose the option that’s right for you
January 24th, 2012 a 2:54pm
We know that some of you have questions about wireless contracts and why they exist. What you may not know is that Rogers offers you choices, even when it comes to contracts. You can always be contract-free with Rogers if you choose to pay full price for your device and pay for your services month-to-month.
Why do I need a contract?
When you enter into a contract, you receive a device or service at a reduced cost. The benefit of signing up for a 1, 2 or 3-year term is the upfront savings you get on the wireless device you want.
Wireless devices can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the model. You can choose to skip the contract and buy your device at full price, but sometimes, getting a break on the cost of that new quick messaging device, smartphone, tablet or RocketStick makes more sense and is easier on your wallet than paying for it outright.
Think of device subsidies as you would when buying a car – you choose to either buy a new car outright, or you can finance or lease it over the course of a term agreement. When you buy it, you don’t need to worry about a term. You own it, it’s yours. You just pay for gas and insurance to keep it going. If you decide to finance or lease, you make monthly payments towards the purchase price of the car. Device subsidies work in a similar way.
What if I want out of my contract? We’ve now made it easier for you to understand
We often get questions about cancellation fees and why they exist. As part of our ongoing commitment to our customers and to help you make sense of these fees, we’ve implemented a new policy to help customers who have contracts with us know exactly what they will pay if they choose to end their contract early.
How it works:
- If you received a device subsidy when you signed up, you will need to pay the Device Savings Recovery Fee (DSRF), which is based on your monthly subsidy.
- You can find the amount of your device subsidy (economic inducement) in your agreement. To calculate the DSRF fee, just divide the subsidy you received on your device by the length of your contract in months (this is the monthly cost of your subsidy) and multiply that number by the months left on your contract.
- Did you get a bigger subsidy when you signed up because you have a data plan? Rogers offers additional subsidies to customers who sign up for both voice and data plans.
- The Additional Device Savings Recovery Fee (ADSRF) is charged to subscribers with data plans who cancel prior to the end of their term. You can also find the amount of your data plan subsidy (additional economic inducement) in your agreement.
- This is calculated the same way as the DSRF, taking into account the months left on your contract and the initial subsidy provided to you.
- The one-time service deactivation fee is $12.50 and charged to all term customers in non-regulated provinces if they choose to cancel their services. This fee helps to cover the administrative costs and charges incurred by your cancellation.
It’s always important to understand what you’re paying for, which is why we’re trying to make it easier for customers to understand our device subsidies.
Heather is a regular contributor to RedBoard
Categories: 
Tags: Surpass your local business competition with Outrank
January 18th, 2012 a 11:30am
The following post also appeared on our business blog, RedBoard Biz.
Whether you’re a dentist, lawyer or plumber, bringing qualified, local customers to your door is essential to growing your business. Gone are the days of flipping through phonebooks to find local services – millions of Canadians are taking to the web and their mobile devices on a daily basis to find products and services, making it crucial for you, as a small business, to have an online presence.
To help you connect with local customers, we have launched Outrank, a new online marketing solution that helps small business grow their customer base by marketing effectively online and on mobile devices. Check out this video from the Outrank team that explains the service:
Specific features available in Outrank include:
- Website: A member of the Outrank team will work with you to create a professionally-designed website that showcases your business brand. The website will also convert site visitors into phone calls and will be developed with Search Engine Optimization (SEO) best practices.
- Paid Search Marketing: Dedicated marketing experts on the Outrank team will use a proprietary bidding algorithm to place your business’s ad prominently in the ads section of top search engines such as Google, Bing & Yahoo.
- Search Engine Optimization: Through set best practices for website development, maps optimization, custom content creation and link building, the Outrank team will work to achieve prominent placement in the “natural” section of top search engines for your business.
- Performance Dashboard: The dashboard provides access to campaign results including website traffic and metrics on the number of phone calls and emails your business receives as a result of your online advertising campaign.
To learn more about Outrank, check out www.RogersOutrank.com.
How do you attract local customers to your business?
Allison is a regular contributor to RedBoardBiz
Categories: Tags: Gadgets galore at CES 2012
January 17th, 2012 a 11:52am
Over 150,000 gadget lovers were in Las Vegas last week to check out the latest gear, software and technology at the world’s largest consumer technology trade show: CES 2012. Among the gadget lovers was our very own Connected Magazine team who were covering everything from the weirdest gear to the freshest smartphones, tablets and TVs.
Topping the list of trending topics was Long Term Evolution (LTE). Several companies showcased products that highlighted the benefits of faster wireless connections, especially for video communications. Rogers was the first carrier in Canada and one of the first in the world to launch LTE last year in Ottawa in July.
According to the Connected Magazine team, some of the biggest buzz was generated from things like 4KTV which doubles the horizontal resolution of the current top-end high-def TVs, ultrabooks, super small but powerful laptops, and Windows 8, Microsoft’s new operating system which is expected on tablets and personal devices as well as PC.
To catch up on all the news from CES 2012, check out Connected Magazine’s extensive coverage. To help you find what you’re looking for, here’s a run-down of their recent posts:
- Wierdest gear: Dancing Robots, Inflatable iPad Cubes and more
- Weighing in on Smart TVs from Samsung, Lenova and LG
- Top tablets from Toshiba, Samsung Lenovo and more
- Gadgets galore: ViewPad e70, Boogie Board Rip and more
- Top 5 freshest gadgets
- The biggest buzz: 4K TV, Ultrabooks, Windows 8 and more
What did you think was the most exciting thing at CES 2012? Have you ever been to the event?
Miranda is a regular contributor to RedBoard
Tags: Sports fans rejoice: Rogers launches 24/7 ‘Sportsnews’
January 12th, 2012 a 9:11am
Here at Rogers, we are passionate about sports. When we announced the recent acquisition of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment,you could feel the excitement all around the office and whether I’m in the elevator or walking past colleagues’ desks, people always seem to be buzzing about what’s happening on the field, on the ice, on the court, and so on.
That’s why we’re pretty excited to tell you about today’s launch of Sportsnews, a new sports cable service at no additional cost for Rogers digital cable customers. It’s the channel you flip to for your real-time sports fix. It’s the first cable service of its kind in Canada. Head over to channel 999 to check it out (available in SD or HD).
Here’s a quick rundown of what you can expect to see on Sportsnews:
- Large scoreboard (one-third of the screen) with scores, including pre and post-game notes and in play scores and stats.
- Twitter feed streaming from your favourite Sportsnet personalities.
- The headline zone featuring breaking news and fun trivia facts.
Pulling in real-time scores, stats, breaking news and fantasy info, means there’s always something interesting for avid sports enthusiasts. Especially with the NHL All-Star Weekend around the corner, can’t wait to see how my favourite players stack up in the skills competition and how they’ll perform in the All-Star Game. Pretty sweet I can get those updates while I’m channel surfing or working out.
Will you be tuning into Sportsnews?
Kaili is a regular contributor to RedBoard
Tags: Countdown to Chinese New Year: are you ready for the Year of the Dragon?
January 10th, 2012 a 1:28pm
On January 23rd, according to the lunar calendar, the end of the winter season is upon us, although it doesn’t quite feel this way stepping outdoors. We’re approaching the Year of the Dragon. I have to admit, I’m really into the zodiac, so I did some Wikipedia research of my own. According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon’s closest Western equivalent is the Aries sign, its motto is “I Reign,” birthstone is ruby and colour is red. Pretty cool facts.
To celebrate Chinese New Year, Jacky Cheung’s ½ Century concert tour is coming to Canada and on January 16, it will be his first time performing in Toronto. He’ll also be in Vancouver on January 13. Jacky is referred to as the “God of Songs ” and if you’re a fan, check out our Rogers Facebook page where we’ll be giving away a pair of tickets to the show each day until January 13. You can also purchase tickets here.
Also, Ontario digital cable customers can enjoy several free previews. Check out the channels and languages featured below:
For more cable and wireless deals in the spirit of Chinese New Year,check out www.Rogers.com/cny.
And, speaking of the year of the Dragon, the Dragon Ball - one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations in Toronto – is happening on January 28. Rogers has been a proud sponsor of this event for the last 7 years and with over 1,200 guests celebrating it’s sure to be a night to remember.
UPDATE (January 25, 2012, 5:07 pm): Congratulations to the winners of our Jacky Cheung 1/2 Century World Tour giveaway! Here they are posing with none other than Jacky Cheung!
Kaili is a regular contributor to RedBoard
Tags: The launch of the Motorola RAZR…literally
January 3rd, 2012 a 1:30pm
Recently, we released a series of videos featuring the Motorola RAZR, available exclusively at Rogers. These videos were not your typical demo video or unboxing – quite the opposite (and a little more entertaining if you ask me!)
We shot the Motorola RAZR - with its heavy-duty Kevlar fiber coating and tough Corning Gorilla Glass – out of an air cannon through things like popcorn, pop, paint, canvas, an egg and a cake.
The Motorola RAZR video series were entertaining and not like other mobile demo videos. Don’t take my word for it. See for yourself in the series of videos below:
Motorola RAZR vs. The Baker’s Dozen:
The Motorola RAZR vs. The Movies:
Motorola RAZR vs. The Blank Canvas:
Think these are cool? Stay tuned. A special bonus video is coming soon!
UPDATE (January 6, 2012, 1:33 p.m): As promised, here is the special bonus video:
Miranda is a regular contributor to RedBoard
Tags: 2011 year in review: top 5 favourite posts
December 29th, 2011 a 10:00am
Well, that’s a wrap. 2011 is nearly done and we’ve had a great year here on RedBoard! We’ve covered everything from the iPhone 4S launch to the Royal Wedding and welcomed some new writers into the mix. To mark the end of a great year, we’re recapping our top 5 favourite posts of 2011.
- My Day as a Rogers Android: Our own @RogersMelanie got to live a childhood dream. On October 26, she dressed as the Android mascot at Android TO, Canada’s largest Android conference, and entertained more than 600 attendees throughout the day. To mark the momentous occasion, we filmed a video of her once-in-a-lifetime experience which generated more than 10,000 views.
- Canada’s first LTE network is live: Where were you the day Rogers launched Canada’s first LTE network? I was in Ottawa – the first city in Canada to experience LTE – to show off the capabilities of the latest global wireless technology at a launch event. On that day, we also announced that LTE would be coming to Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal. And on September 28, we officially launched Rogers LTE in those cities.
- RedBoard Celebrates one year anniversary: On March 2, our blog turned 1. To mark this milestone, we held our first Tweetup in Toronto and invited RedBoard readers to come out and celebrate with us. For those outside the city, we held a contest to win RedBoard loot bags. We’re looking forward to celebrating our second birthday next year, as well as a first birthday for FilRouge, our new French blog, which launched in September of this year.
- Rogers launches new early upgrade offer: On May 6, we announced an early upgrade promotion that allows you to upgrade your device as early as six months into your existing contract term. We know many of our readers here on RedBoard are the kind of people that want the latest gadget as soon as it’s available. We were happy to offer this new option to provide our customers with this added freedom and flexibility.
- Rogers Innovation Report: top technology predictions for 2012: Just over a week ago, we launched the first Rogers Innovation Report, a regular report we’ll be doing to get Canadians views on technology. The best part? The infographic. This visual display of our findings revealed interesting statistics like the number of Canadians who sleep with their smartphones or have the urge to take them to the bathroom!
On behalf of the RedBoard team, we’d like to wish you a happy new year, and all the best in 2012. We’re looking forward to another great year.
Are there any topics you’d like to see us cover in 2012?
Miranda is a regular contributor to RedBoard
Tags: It’s the most wonderful time of the year
December 22nd, 2011 a 4:23pm
With less than 3 days to go until the big day, I’m getting more and more into the holiday spirit. I got all my holiday shopping done early this year thanks to Connected Magazine’s “Holiday Gift Guide,” which included a U.S.S. enterprise Lego kit for my dad (big Trekkie!), and the POP phone for my sister.
Personally, I’m looking forward to relaxing and hosting a few gatherings with close friends and family now that shopping’s out of the way. In the spirit of sharing, here are some ways I’m bringing holiday cheer into my home this season.
- Rogers On Demand’s Holiday Channel: Here you’ll find the best this holiday season has to offer, including kid’s favourite’s, editor’s picks, and of course classic movies and TV specials for the whole family to enjoy. For more ideas, check out Andrew’s “HoHoHo It’s the Holiday Channel” Redboard post.
- The Fireplace Channel: Those of us not lucky enough to have a fireplace thrive on this channel this time of year. Now I know, it’s not the real thing – but you still get the warm glow and crackle from the fire. Tune in on channels 204 for SD and 574 for HD.
- Galaxie Channels on Rogers On Demand: This is another great one to have going in the background if you already have a fireplace. Right now on Galaxie we’ve got 9 holiday stations to suit everyone’s needs! Listen online and through select tablets and smartphones – free for all Rogers digital customers!
- RogersurMusic: If you’re conflicted between the Fireplace Channel or Galaxie holiday music channels, fear not – you can have both! I like to entertain with the Fireplace channel going on my TV, and my special holiday mix playing in the background. urMusic has TONS of holiday tracks to download this season – everything from The Muppets to Bing Crosby!
As I type this post in front of the Fireplace Channel with eggnog in hand, and Nat King Cole’s “Merry Christmas to You” in the background, I’d like to wish all our readers a happy holiday on behalf of Rogers!
Kelly is a regular contributor to RedBoard
Tags: share this Comments Off
Smartphones in bed
December 21st, 2011 a 10:15am
I’ll admit it. I’m promiscuous when it comes to my wireless devices. I switch back and forth between my BlackBerry Torch and my iPhone. And I use an Android tablet.
I couldn’t live without my gadgets and I’m not alone.
According to research we released yesterday in the first Rogers Innovation Report, Canadians love their cell phones.The vast majority of Canadian smartphone and tablet owners (85%) say they’re attached to their devices.
How attached? Well, one in 10 (11%) say they wouldn’t want to live without them. And four in 10 (39%) Canadians say they sleep with their devices within arm’s reach – either beside them on the nightstand or in their beds.
Younger Canadians are even more attached to their devices. Among Canadians aged 18 to 24, three-quarters (76%) sleep with their phones within arm’s reach and one in four (23%) snuggle up with their devices in bed.
And we want to use them everywhere. One in four Canadians (23%) want to use their devices in the bathroom, with a minority (3%) even wanting to use their devices while taking a bath or shower.
Canadian smartphone and tablet users are also optimistic that new wireless technologies will keep making their lives better. Some 68% of Canadians surveyed said voice interaction with devices, such as Apple’s Siri, will make their lives better, while 61% feel using their devices for purchases will do the same.
What about you? How attached are you to your device? What’s the most unusual place you’ve ever used your cell?
Keith McArthur is Vice President of Social Media at Rogers
Tags: Rogers Innovation Report: top technology predictions for 2012
December 20th, 2011 a 8:54am
Canadians have high expectations for technology in 2012. Faster network speeds, smaller laptops and more purchases over wireless devices are just some of the predictions for the year ahead.
These predictions come from the first Rogers Innovation Report, a regular report we’ll be doing to get Canadians views on technology.
As the year comes to a close, we focused our first edition of the Rogers Innovation Report on technology predictions for 2012. We asked Canadian smartphone and tablet users if technology makes their lives better and easier and their views on advancements for the next few years. Check it out:
What do you think of the first Innovation Report? Did any of the numbers surprise you?
Miranda is a regular contributor to RedBoard
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